News » Historical & Educational Exhibit

SPOKANE COUNTY INTERSTATE FAIR

 The Spokane Tribe continued its efforts of being a strong community partner during the 2007 Spokane County Interstate Fair. The Wellpinit VFW Post 10711 Color Guard and some of its VFW Members proudly carried their flags of honor while leading a Patriot’s Day Parade at the Fair. The September 11, 2007 Parade gave everyone the opportunity to honor all of the area’s emergency workers. The Interstate Fair organizers began the Parade tradition a few years ago following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack. The Wellpinit VFW parade group was well represented by Tony Wynne, Beaver Peone, Gene Brisbois, Ken McCoy, Ray Peone and Charlie Noble.  Other Parade participants included Spokane County Sheriff’s department, Washington State Patrol, Kootenai County Sheriff’s department, various fire and EMT representatives, Women’s Auxiliary members and of course soldiers from the military.

One of the goals set by the Spokane Tribal Council is to continue educating our neighbors about the Spokane Tribe. Through the efforts of the Tribe’s Public Relations office that educational process continued with the construction of an informational exhibit which highlights the Tribe and its historical significance within Spokane County. Photographs of Spokane Tribal Ancestors and the Tribe’s Ancestral homelands showcased will help our neighbors to remember the importance of the Spokane Tribe historically and currently.

The Tribal display was visited by thousands of Fair-goers who wanted to learn more about the Spokane Tribe by asking a wide range of questions. The exhibit visitors were treated to a special weekend presentation by Spokane Tribal member and MAC Museum representative Heidi Abrahamson.  Ms. Abrahamson shared artifacts from her popular “People of the Plateau” traveling display. Tribal member, John Teters graciously allowed a recently purchased teepee of his to be included with the exhibit. The large teepee and display was located inside of the main County Fairgrounds building. The teepee was a huge hit with all visitors and many families took the opportunity to snap a photograph of their loved ones viewing the teepee.